Media Release

For Immediate Release

November 21, 2006

Santamarians Win Big Awards from CBIE

Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary's and Chair of CBIE, presents Alana Robb, International Student Advisor at SMU, with the International Service Award. Danica Francis was presented with Student Leadership in Internationalization. Here she receives her award from Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary's and Chair of CBIE.

A well known organization in Canada has recognized Saint Mary’s University’s commitment to the internationalization of education.

Alana Robb, International Student Advisor at Saint Mary’s, and Danica Francis, a student who is earning her Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in International Development Studies (IDS) and Political Science (Double Major), were both presented with prestigious awards this past weekend from the Canadian Bureau for the Internationalization of Education (CBIE).

Robb was given the International Service Award, and Francis was presented with Student Leadership in Internationalization.

These wards were presented by Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary's and Chair of the CBIE Board.

The Awards were given at CBIE’s 40th Anniversary Conference that was held in Quebec City, PQ.

Saint Mary’s is an institution widely known for offering students a globalized educational experience. Students in all faculties — Arts, Commerce, Science and Graduate Studies and Research — are taught that education is something that does not have borders, and students are encouraged to engage themselves in the University’s International Mobility Programs. Almost 15% of the student population comprise of students from over 90 countries around the world.

CBIE is an umbrella non-governmental organization comprised of 200 colleges, universities, schools, school boards, educational organizations and businesses across Canada. Nationally, CBIE engages in policy development, research, advocacy and public information. CBIE is both a leader in shaping Canada's international education agenda and a highly recognized provider of professional development programs for Canada's international educators. CBIE manages vital services for foreign students in Canada. Internationally, CBIE engages in cooperative projects in capacity building, institutional strengthening and human resource development. Our focus is on education at all levels, specialized training programs, civil society and public administration. CBIE works in partnership with educational institutions, community-based organizations and governments in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, the Former Soviet Union, and Central and Eastern Europe.

Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

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For More Information:

Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca